Accessible Green Events: A Practical Checklist
Environmental events should be for everyone. The Berkeley Earth Day festival set a good example: its published notes promised ADA-accessible outdoor areas, sign language interpreters for the main stage, a dog-friendly site and easy access by BART. Here is a checklist for anyone organising a green event, from a big fair to a small film night.
Before the event: information
- Publish an accessibility section on your event page: step-free routes, accessible toilets, seating, quiet areas, interpretation and contact details for requests.
- Give clear transit directions, including the nearest accessible BART station and bus stops.
- Offer a way to request accommodations in advance, and respond quickly.
- Use plain language and readable fonts; describe images on social media.
Venue and layout
| Area | What to check |
|---|---|
| Routes | Firm, level paths; no cables across walkways without covers; ramps where needed |
| Toilets | At least one accessible toilet near the main areas, signposted |
| Stage | Reserved viewing areas for wheelchair users with a clear line of sight to interpreters |
| Seating | Chairs and shade spread around the site, not only at the food court |
| Vendor stalls | Tables at reachable heights, wide aisles between booths |
| Quiet space | A calm area away from loudspeakers for people who need a break |
Communication access
- Sign language: book ASL interpreters for talks, as in the photo above, and position them where they are lit and visible.
- Captions: caption films and livestreams; real-time captioning (CART) helps at talks.
- Hearing loops or assistive listening devices at indoor venues.
- Large-print and digital programmes that work with screen readers.
Transport
Green events encourage walking, biking and transit, but some people need to drive or be dropped off. Provide accessible parking and a drop-off point close to the entrance. Check that the nearest BART station elevators are working on the day; BART publishes elevator status. Our car-free guide lists Berkeley's stations.
Dogs, service animals and food
- Service animals must be allowed. If the event is dog-friendly, provide water bowls and shade, and keep areas for people who are allergic or afraid of dogs.
- Label food clearly for allergens and say which dishes are vegan or gluten-free.
- Offer free drinking water and refill points.
Money and inclusion
Free entry, sliding-scale tickets and youth discounts make events open to more people. Past Wild & Scenic family screenings in Berkeley let young people in free. If you fundraise with a raffle or casino-themed night, make sure people can join in without spending much and that the cause is clear.
Accessibility checklist
- Information
- Accessibility page, request contact, transit directions
- Venue
- Step-free routes, accessible toilets, seating, shade
- Communication
- ASL, captions, assistive listening
- Calm
- Quiet area away from speakers
- Food
- Allergen labels, water refills
- Cost
- Free or sliding-scale entry
Accessibility is easier to plan than to retrofit. Build it in from the first planning meeting, and ask disabled people in your community to help shape the event.